Why Are Nottingham Forest the Only Premier League Team Without a Shirt Sponsor?
Nottingham Forest’s promotion last season was not only a relief to the long-suffering supporters, but one which has charmed neutrals worldwide. Whether it’s the unique yet wonderfully simple logo, the beautifully classic stadium or the rich history of European greatness, the purists of the world are delighted to see such a historic club retake its place at the top table of English football.
Having gone from the bottom of the league to conquerors of Wembley, Forest have charmed the pundits and punters. So despite a disappointing week that culminated in a shocking 2-3 loss to relegation rivals Bournemouth, many onlookers are hoping Forest return to the form that saw them beat West Ham 1-0.
One of the most appealing aspects of the new look Premier League Forest is the absence of a sponsor. The simple, all-red shirt brings back nostalgic memories of Brian Clough’s miracle men and brings a welcome change to the marketing melee of the worldwide product that is Premier League football. But why is it that Forest have no sponsor? Well, context is everything.
The ever-ambitious owner, Evangelos Marinakis, is not only succeeding as Forest’s owner but in his daily work as the founder and chairman of a flourishing shipping business. Whilst many have suffered since the pandemic and face yet more hardship with the impending cost of living crisis coming this winter, Marinakis has seen unrivaled growth in his personal business affairs.
As a result, securing a sponsor for Forest has been low down in his list of priorities as he has sought to rebuild a lean squad dependent on the loan market. Ensuring they are ready to compete at the top level has fully occupied the mind of the Greek magnate.
Whilst this might be a source of frustration to the more business-minded Forest directors, all focus has been on providing Steve Cooper with the necessary ammunition to survive this season. There have certainly been offers on the table for Forest, who turned down a deal from last season’s sponsor BOXT. But with disagreements on clauses related to potential relegation, Marinakis has refused to give the green light to a deal worth upwards of £10 million pounds.
So what’s next? There have been suggestions that Forest will seek to buck the trend even further and take the charm offensive one step further by having local charities advertised as their front-of-shirt sponsor. Many fans have called for this since it became apparent we wouldn’t be announcing a major sponsor.
The City Ground faithful are an active crowd, that very much see the club as a beacon for the city and county. To use their newly attained Premier League status to raise awareness of the brilliant work done by local heroes would be well received.
As the country tumbles into a new era of political and social turbulence, this would certainly soften the blow for Forest fans, who are known for looking after their own both on and off the pitch. It remains to be seen or confirmed, but now the transfer window has closed, an announcement of Forest’s season-long plans for their front-of-shirt sponsor is likely to announced be sooner rather than later.
By: Max Scott / @thered1865
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / @Juanffran / AMA